MORNING REPORT

Pop/rock

February 14, 1996|SHAUNA SNOW | Arts and entertainment reports from The Times, national and international news services and the nation's press

Jackson Controversy Continues: Michael Jackson left Rio de Janeiro on Monday, but police were still fuming over press reports alleging that he paid a drug lord for permission to film his controversial music video in a city slum. The reputed drug kingpin of Dona Marta, known as Marcinho VP, told Brazilian newspapers that he received a payoff. Meanwhile, Gen. Nilton Cerqueira, the Rio state security chief, said neither Jackson nor his representatives consulted his department about security measures. "It must be the custom in [Jackson's] country to give money to traffickers," Cerqueira said.